RSS-affiliate urges Centre to deny Starlink licence over security concerns

Citing the need to curtail internet services during riots, terrorism-related incidents and other law-and-order situations, Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM), the affiliate of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), on Tuesday (October 13, 2026) urged the Union government to deny Elon Musk-owned Starlink permission to launch commercial satellite broadband services in India.

In a statement, SJM national co-convenor Ashwani Mahajan said internet services sometimes need to be suspended during such situations to prevent the spread of rumours and inflammatory content on social media. The organisation questioned whether Starlink’s technology would allow services to be restricted in specific areas at the government’s direction.

“Currently, India is grappling with various law-and-order challenges. In such situations, internet-based social media often fuels rumours and anti-national narratives. Disrupting internet services frequently becomes essential to maintain law and order during instances of separatism, terrorism, riots, protests, and similar events,” he said.

The statement comes amid protests in the national capital by various organisations over alleged irregularities in the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) exercise and demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

During recent hearings in petitions related to illegal detentions and curtailment of public movement during protests, the Supreme Court too has recently ordered the government that “internet facilities should function unhindered”.

On laser links

Mr. Mahajan also raised concerns over Starlink’s use of laser links, which allow satellites to transmit data directly to one another before it reaches a ground station. SJM said Indian authorities needed assurances that domestic internet traffic would pass through gateways within the country rather than bypassing them through foreign infrastructure, potentially complicating lawful monitoring.

“Moreover, it’s feared that satellite internet could be used by hostile actors, smugglers or insurgent groups to communicate beyond conventional telecom networks. Unauthorised terminals have been found operating near sensitive borders and conflict zones. Security agencies have even recovered Starlink equipment in several investigations,” said SJM.

It also referred to security-related experiences in Ukraine, Iran, Russia, China and Taiwan, among other countries, to underline the strategic implications of satellite internet services.

Domestic telecom infrastructure

Defending India’s existing telecommunication infrastructure, the organisation said domestic mobile and broadband networks provide affordable connectivity and can be restricted when required by authorities. It also highlighted the cooperation between telecom operators and security agencies.

The organisation cited India’s space programmes, including PSLV and Chandrayaan, as well as initiatives such as Gaganyaan, NISAR and Chandrayaan-4, to highlight the country’s growing capabilities. It said indigenous satellite-based internet services could eventually provide affordable connectivity to remote areas.

It urged the government to deny the company a licence if it could not meet national security requirements and linked the issue to trade relations with the United States, arguing that India could restrict foreign companies on security grounds, just as other countries impose trade restrictions on Indian exports.